Costa Rica Escape
Costa Rica Escape
$2145
Costa Rica Escape
9 Days Starting and ending in Hotel in San José
Visiting: San José, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Quepos
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LATAM16L
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Looking for affordable Costa Rica tours that truly showcase the natural beauty of this captivating country? Look no further than Expat Explore’s 9-day Costa Rica Escape! This Costa Rica coach tour offers travellers the opportunity to visit the active Arenal Volcano, traverse through the Monteverde Cloud Forest, swim in the tropical waters of Quepos, discover the beauty of the Manuel Antonio National Park and explore San José, the vibrant capital city. Experience the natural beauty, delicious cuisine and buzzing local culture of one of Central America’s most spectacular countries!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In San José
Location: San José
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to your Costa Rica Escape! Arrive in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, and meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel this evening. If you arrive early, explore this gorgeous city which boasts a backdrop of volcanoes in the north and the Talamanca mountains in the south. Tonight, after getting an overview of the exciting upcoming itinerary, head to a local restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner. Get to know your tour leader and new travel buddies with an authentic Costa Rican meal!
Enjoy a welcome dinner in San José
Day 2: San José - La Fortuna
Location: La Fortuna
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, say “goodbye for now” to San José and head towards La Fortuna. This small town is known as the gateway to the spectacular Arenal Volcano National Park. Arrive in La Fortuna this afternoon and set off on an orientation walk. This evening is free to spend as you wish. Join the highly recommended Hot Springs optional excursion to experience the tranquil and healing thermal water pools that this area is famous for. Admire the crystalline waterfalls and relax in these hot spring waters before enjoying an included buffet dinner!
Visit La Fortuna, near the Arenal Volcano
Day 3: La Fortuna: Free Day
Location: La Fortuna
Meals Included: Breakfast
Look forward to a full free day in La Fortuna to explore the awe-inspiring nature which can be seen all over the town and beyond. From volcano views to lush rainforests and plenty of hiking trails, La Fortuna has so much to offer those who visit. For those who wish to experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano and nearby rainforest, be sure to join today’s optional excursion which offers an expertly-guided, leisurely and informative hike around the volcano and national park. This evening, take the opportunity to learn more about (and taste more) Costa Rican cuisine with a fun and interactive cooking class! This is the best way to immerse yourself in local culture.
Day 4: La Fortuna - Monteverde
Location: Monteverde
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Farewell, La Fortuna! This morning, the tour begins the journey to Monteverde travelling through the magnificent Cloud Forest. Keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready for stunning scenery as we drive. Arrive in Monteverde in the afternoon and join your tour leader on an orientation walk through the town before enjoying some free time for lunch. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own, relax or join the Coffee Farm Tour and discover how three important and delicious Costa Rican exports (coffee, chocolate and sugar cane) are made. This evening, ask your tour leader for recommendations on where to try the local cuisine.
Take a scenic drive through the Monteverde Cloud Forest
Day 5: Monteverde: Free Day
Location: Monteverde
Meals Included: Breakfast
Make the most of a free day in this beautiful part of Costa Rica. Chat with your tour leader to learn about all of the options for excursions today. Explore more of Monteverde’s famous cloud forest and take to new heights on the Hanging Bridges & Sloth Sanctuary excursion for an adrenaline-pumping experience featuring amazing views followed by a visit to a sloth sanctuary! Or, explore the area at your own pace - you could stroll the streets, sit down for a local meal, visit a butterfly farm and learn more about these colourful little creatures, and more! The choice is all yours today!
Day 6: Monteverde - Quepos
Location: Quepos
Meals Included: Breakfast
Moving along from Monteverde, travel onwards to Quepos. This coastal town is a dreamy destination for beachgoers and nature lovers. After checking into the hotel for the next two evenings, enjoy free time to soak up the sun on the beach. Take a dip in the Pacific Ocean, sunbathe on the beach or join the sunset catamaran cruise which offers exceptional views of the Manuel Antonio National Park. Depending on the season, humpback whales, dolphins and stingrays can be spotted in the water! Take this opportunity to go snorkelling, slide down the boat’s waterslide and enjoy a tasty dinner on board.
Soak up the sun in Quepos
Day 7: Quepos
Location: Quepos
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, set off on an adventure through the impressive Manuel Antonio National Park. This park features a vast diversity of landscapes from white-sand beaches to forests and mountains! Within this park, around 184 species of birds and 109 species of mammals reside including sloths, monkeys, toucans and more. Marvel at the picture-perfect fauna and flora in this region and take the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear waters of the beautiful beaches. Later this afternoon, head back to the hotel and look forward to a free evening in Quepos.
Explore the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 8: Quepos - San José
Location: San José
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Departing Quepos this morning, the tour travels back to where it all began - San José! However, this Costa Rica adventure isn’t over just yet. This afternoon, get to know Costa Rica’s vibrant capital on a driving tour through the city. Admire San José’s unique Spanish colonial architecture and see top sights including Casa Amarillo, the National Theatre and the main town square. This evening, sit down for one last farewell dinner with the group. Reminisce about the many memories made over the last 8 days and raise a glass to the many unforgettable Costa Rica travel highlights experienced together!
Discover San José, Costa Rica’s capital city, on a driving tour
Sit down for a farewell group dinner in San José
Day 9: End Of Tour In San José
Location: San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the last breakfast with the tour group this morning, after which this jam-packed Costa Rica coach tour comes to an end. Don’t forget to swap contact details with your newfound travel friends before travelling onwards to your next destination. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey and hopes to see you soon!
What's Included
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Accommodation
8 nights in 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability) -
Transport
Air-conditioned vehicle
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Meals
8 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
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Tour Leader
Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
What's Not Included
International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.
Mode of Transport
Air-conditioned vehicle
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
Health and Fitness
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
Experiences
Enjoy a welcome dinner in San José
Visit La Fortuna, near the Arenal Volcano
Take a scenic drive through the Monteverde Cloud Forest
Soak up the sun in Quepos
Explore the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park
Discover San José, Costa Rica’s capital city, on a driving tour
Sit down for a farewell group dinner in San José
Accommodation
8 nights in 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the Costa Rica Escape tour?
The tour includes 8 nights in 3 and 4-star hotel accommodations in twin rooms with private bathrooms. Single travelers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room, subject to availability.
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Are meals included in the Costa Rica Escape tour?
Yes, the tour includes 8 breakfasts and 3 dinners. Vegetarian options are available for all meals on request.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation.
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What activities are included in the Costa Rica Escape tour?
The tour includes a welcome dinner in San José, a visit to La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano National Park, a scenic drive through the Monteverde Cloud Forest, time to soak up the sun in Quepos, exploration of Manuel Antonio National Park, and a driving tour of San José. Additionally, there is a farewell group dinner in San José.
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Is travel insurance required for the Costa Rica Escape tour?
Yes, all passengers traveling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and are responsible for arranging their own insurance.
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What optional excursions are available during the tour?
Optional excursions include a visit to the hot springs in La Fortuna, a guided hike around Arenal Volcano and National Park, a cooking class in La Fortuna, a Coffee Farm Tour in Monteverde, and a sunset catamaran cruise in Quepos.
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What can I expect on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in San José, meet your tour leader and fellow travelers at the hotel, and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
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What is the itinerary for the last day of the tour?
On the last day, you will have breakfast with the tour group, after which the tour comes to an end. You can then travel onwards to your next destination.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 91 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.